We summarized the most frequently asked questions and spoke with experts in the industry to help provide a clear answer.

Our goal? You should be able to sit back and enjoy the sunshine—and the energy cost savings!

Should I lease or buy my solar panels?

In 2014, 72 percent of those who invested in solar energy leased their panels, but experts like Glenna Wiseman at Identity3, a marketing firm specializing in renewable energy, say that the trend has shifted.

Generally, if you home your home, you should aim to buy your solar panel setup.

Federal income tax credits, combined with any incentives your local government offers toward the purchase, make the choice to buy solar compelling.

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory quoted $4.1/W (or $4.1 to generate 1 watt of energy) for residential systems in 2015, while other recent benchmarks quoted prices between $2.7/W to $4.5/W.